Christmas is coming and everyone is running to the shops to find the perfect gift for their loved one, secret Santa, or cousin twice removed. To help you avoid the stressful experience of trying to decide what to get, that isn’t the same as last year’s gifts, we have compiled a gift guide of unique presents to make you the family favourite this year.
For the Zen Friend
These adorable Balm Baubles by Scentered provide therapy palms nestled inside fragrances that sooth, calm and de-stress – something all of us need in the run up to Christmas. You can hang them from your tree or wrap them up for someone you know needs a bit of relaxation time, and enjoys a good fragrance. 10% of the profits also go to Women For Women, meaning by giving these you are also giving back!
(The baubles are £14.50 each, and available on www.scentered.com)
For the Music Lover
This gift is for someone you’d like to spend a little more on this year. Headphones are a must on every Christmas gift list, and we’ve picked out some trendy ones that don’t have you splurging on beats, but still get you the great quality sound you need. Phonaudio offer different chrome shades to add some style to your step, in silver, black or gold with prices ranging from £169-£189.
(These are the £189 ones, from www.phonaudio.com)
For the Alcohol Aficionado
We all have that one friend that can’t come to the pub without ordering an IPA and proceeding to lecture you on the brands’ independent roots. Well, this is the perfect gift to keep them quiet, and let them enjoy/occupy themselves with a DIY project. Grow Your Own Beer is a cute, inexpensive gift that presents itself in a wooden cube and really is a great idea for a creative soul in your life, who appreciates a present with a bit of an edge.
(£9 from www.joythestore.com)
For the Pampered Princess
As the winter months suck the moisture out of our skin, we are in doubt need of face masks on demand to look glowy for the upcoming New Year’s parties. We’ve got you covered for both the harshness of winter, and the harshness of the morning after all the Christmas parties you’ll be heading to. These rejuvenating sheet masks by Timeless Truth come in stocking stuffer packs, 5-packs and even a year’s supply! Our favourite is the Snow Algae, which leaves your skin feeling extremely hydrated and refreshed.
(Year supply: £500, Box of 5: £38.50, eye mask box of 5: 18.50, www.ttmasks.co.uk)
For the Makeup Geek
In 2016, makeup has grown and grown, with the artistry behind the products being hailed, and trends constantly being fawned over. For this reason, we KNOW you will need to be getting someone within arm’s reach, some kind of makeup product. Our personal favourites are from Too Faced’s Christmas range, especially the Grand Hotel Café set. It features three Christmas scented makeup palettes (eggnog latte, gingerbread coffee and peppermint mocha) consisting of 18 eyeshadow shades, three face products and a mascara. Not only this but you will need serious will power not to try and devour the makeup products…
(£46, Debenhams and www.toofaced.com)
If you’d like a smaller product for a Secret Santa or stocking stuffer, the Fab Contour Kit is the gift to get. It actually teaches you where to put the contour shades on your face, so it’s perfect for someone just getting in to makeup. The shades suit most skin tones and transfer pretty well, so the blending brush included comes in handy.
(£20, www.fabbrows.com)
For the Trend Lover
One of our favourite additions this year are the hats that give back, Edit Hats. For every one hat bought, another is donated to the homeless, so we recommend buying one for every member of the family. They are also so snuggly, cosy and stylish which is a massive plus, and everyone needs something to keep their head warm this winter.
(prices range from £14-£22, this one is £19. www.edithats.co.uk)
Another accessory just launched is Cheap Monday’s range of earrings, which are again, affordable but look high end and on trend. These are perfect for parties and are a totally different look that will have everyone turning heads. Pop them in as a stocking stuffer or gift them to your friends who love a good statement piece.
(Earrings, £10-£20, www.cheapmonday.com)
For the History Buff
England’s royal castles, historic gardens, forts and defences; world-famous prehistoric sites and more… with unlimited access to over 400 historic places all year round, the Gift of Membership to English Heritage is the gift that just keeps on giving. Membership also includes free or reduced price access to hundreds of historical events and money off other attractions throughout the year. What’s more, you get a gift too! A £5 voucher to spend in their online shop when you purchase before Christmas.
(Gift of Membership, 1 Adult, £52, www.english-heritage.org.uk)
For the Art Fanatic
Another gift that just keeps on giving, all year-long, is the annual Gift Membership to Tate. Your arty friend will love you for the unlimited free admission to all exhibitions at all four Tate galleries, including the likes of David Hockney, Alberto Giacometti, Modigliani, and Paul Nash. They’ll also get access to exclusive Members Rooms at Tate Britain and Tate Modern, invitations to special Members Events – including talks, tours, and extended opening hours – and a complimentary subscription to Tate Etc. magazine. Final touch, the current welcome pack has been designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed.
(Gift Membership, 1 Adult, £70, www.tate.org.uk)
For the Loved One
Someone special in your life? Make a statement this festive season with a personalised Amulet by Annaloucah Fine Jewellery; a multi-award-winning, Fairtrade jewellery brand based in London, offering one-of-a-kind pieces that combine luxury with sustainability. Nominate a design yourself or choose from the selection available, then grace the finished piece with that personal nickname, in-joke or motto. Anna will create a design just for you in yellow, white or rose gold from the finest ethically sourced materials. 18ct Fairtrade gold and diamond, anyone? Order now for delivery within 2-3 weeks.
(Compass Amulet, £465, www.annaloucah.com)
Words: Julia Cohen
Foreground Photo: Phonaudio (feat. Kiera Weathers)
Background Photo: Brodsworth Hall’s Enchanted Garden (c) English Heritage